Spanish-speaking churches in Springfield unite to help tornado victims

The Republican/El Pueblo Latino | Lucila J. SantanaLocal church members prepare food for victims of the June 1 tornadoes.

SPRINGFIELD – The same night the tornadoes struck on June 1 members of local Spanish-speaking churches in Springfield took to the streets to hand out hot meals and words of encouragement.

La Hora Zero, a Spanish language radio station and church at 155 Chestnut St., has joined with churches throughout the city to help people in need by providing hot meals, Spanish coffee and water.

“The need is immense. There are so many people who are hungry and who need assistance,” said Evelyn Edwards, who along with her husband the Rev. Julio Edwards, have been coordinating the effort.

“We have been out to West Springfield, to the hotel in Ludlow where Monson residents are staying, to the worst streets in Springfield,” she said.

Robert Martinez, of Springfield, heard about the effort and volunteered to be a driver.

How to help

Donations: La Hora Zero is accepting donations of food and clothing.

Where: La Hora Zero, 155 Chestnut St.

Hours: 6 a.m.-10 p.m.

For info:Call (413) 747-9542; (413) 788-9542

“We know there are a lot of official organizations like the Red Cross that are helping people, but a lot of those services people have to go out and get. We are going right into the neighborhoods where everything happened and bringing food and water to people,” he said.

It’s the simple things like handing out chilled water from coolers or making Cafe Bustelo, a popular espresso drink for Latinos, that victims appreciate, Edwards said.

“People want to get a little bit of comfort and something familiar to them,” Edwards said.

Idalia Carmona, of Springfield, said they have been preparing the food with love and care, especially for children. “We are bringing the typical kid things like sandwiches and Jello pudding, and it just makes them so happy,” she said.

Maria Fontanez, a minister at Iglesia Pentecostal de Cristo in Springfield, said the churches are also reaching out to undocumented residents who might be afraid to get assistance elsewhere.

“We are not here to judge them or question them about anything. If they need help they can come here and we will keep everything confidential. We just want to make sure everyone is getting the help they need,” she said.

Evelyn and Abel Flores are ministers at La Primera Iglesia de Dios Inc. in Springfield. They said the tornado has brought the church community together.

“We worked together before, but now we are really getting closer. Right now we don’t care about religion, race or any of that, we just want people to get food and help,” he said.

The church is receiving food and clothing donations from church members and others in the Latino community including local restaurants.

Julio Edwards said they will continue to collect and hand out donations until everyone’s needs are met.

“We will continue this effort until people have new places to live and clothes and food,” he said. “We will also continue to keep the food pantry open for anyone who needs to come get food.”